CELEBRATE HIM: Honoring PILLARS OF PROGRESS
A Night to Uplift, Recognize, and Celebrate the Power of Impactful Men
Join the Columbus Urban League Young Professionals (CULYP) for Celebrate Him: Honoring Pillars of Progress—a signature event dedicated to recognizing men in our community who are creating lasting impact, uplifting others, and serving as beacons of excellence.
In celebration of Men’s Health Month, this empowering evening will spotlight men who lead with purpose in the areas of Civic Engagement, Community Advancement, Health & Wellness, Cultural Influence, and Emerging Leadership.
Whether they are entrepreneurs, public servants, creatives, or advocates—these honorees embody the spirit of progress and serve as role models for the next generation.
What to Expect
As the event details unfold, guests can anticipate:
Honoree recognition in a variety of categories
Dynamic panel discussion
Networking opportunities and community connection
A celebration of brotherhood, leadership, and legacy
🌟 Honoree Recognition
Join us for an evening of celebration, connection, and culture as we uplift the stories and successes of these exceptional men.
Civic Engagement Honoree – Dontavius Jarrells - Ohio House of Representatives
Community Champion Honoree – JoeNathan Banks - Black, Bold, Beautiful Productions
Health & Wellness Honoree – Marlon Platt - JPMorgan Chase & Co.
Social & Cultural Contributions Honoree – Stephen Spottswood - Columbus Cultural Orchestra
Young Professional on The Rise - Nominations Coming Soon
The YP on the Rise award recognizes a current, paid CULYP member who exemplifies:
✅ Community Leadership & Impact
✅ Excellence in their Field
✅ Commitment to Service & Empowerment
Let’s celebrate the trailblazers in our network who are paving pathways for the next generation!
See Below for further introduction to our outstanding Honorees!
Tickets & Sponsorship Opportunities
🎟 Tickets ON SALE NOW
Don’t miss your chance to celebrate and connect at another one of our signature events of the year.
💼 Sponsorship Opportunities Available
Celebrate Him is more than an event—it’s a movement to honor and uplift leaders in our community. Join us as a partner in progress by becoming a sponsor.
Explore our sponsorship packages tailored for meaningful brand alignment and community engagement.
For more information, please reach out to:
CULYP.Development@cul.org
Rep. Dontavius Jarrells
Representative and Assistant Minority Leader Dontavius Jarrells is serving his third term representing Ohio House District 1. A Cleveland native and lead poisoning survivor, Rep. Jarrells brings lived experience to his fight for equity, justice, and opportunity. He has championed legislation securing $150 million for lead prevention, worker protections, and modernizing discriminatory laws. Known for his transformative leadership, he has delivered millions in funding to Franklin County while advocating for affordable housing, mental health awareness, and environmental justice. His mission: to build a fairer, more inclusive Ohio where every family can thrive.
JoeNathan Banks
Joenathan Banks is a powerhouse in arts, culture, and media. A professional singer, award-winning songwriter, and actor from Cleveland, Ohio, his career spans over 20 years. He is the creator of Black Bold and Beautiful: My Story, a transformative platform uplifting Black narratives through storytelling and performance. As CEO of Black Bold and Beautiful Productions, Joenathan curates work that celebrates Black brilliance. He also serves in leadership roles at the Lincoln Theatre and Thiossane West African Dance Institute. With roots in journalism and a vibrant presence in Columbus, Joenathan bridges communities through powerful storytelling, events, and cultural advocacy.
Marlon Platt
Marlon Platt is a Community Manager at Chase, where he builds local partnerships and hosts financial health workshops to help break down socio-economic barriers. As a trusted ambassador, he collaborates with nonprofits, small businesses, and residents to uplift underserved communities and advance racial equity, particularly in Black and Latino populations. With over a decade in nonprofit leadership, Marlon brings deep experience in program design and fundraising. A Cleveland native and Capital University Marketing graduate, he is a proud member of Chase’s BOLD group and a dedicated father to two daughters, Zoey and Zara.
Stephen Spottswood
Stephen Spottswood is a visionary musician and educator using the power of music to inspire and uplift diverse communities. A Capital University graduate and former Music Director of Urban Strings Columbus, he has empowered young musicians across Central Ohio. As a solo hip-hop and R&B violinist and middle school orchestra teacher, Stephen bridges classical and contemporary genres to reflect cultural identity through sound. In 2020, he founded the Columbus Cultural Orchestra, where he serves as Artistic Director, leading a dynamic collective of multi-generational musicians of color dedicated to genre-blending performances and artistic excellence.
YP ON THE RISE
(Left to Right, Top to Bottom)
Jahmal Hughes
Sawaun Blakely
Keon Busby
Adrian McGee
NOMINEE bIOS:
Jahmal Hughes
Jahmal Hughes is a 29-year-old basketball coach and AAU program director for JH95 Skills from Columbus Ohio with over seven years of leadership experience in youth sports development. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management and a Master’s in Education blending academic insight with on-the-court expertise. Jahmal has coached school ball for St. Francis Desales (1 year), Eastmoor Academy (6 years) and currently on staff at Beechcroft High School. His AAU program emphasizes skill development, teamwork, mentorship and academic success with a target audience of inner-city kids who want to pursue their dream in sports but may lack the resources and opportunity elsewhere.
Sawaun Blakely
Sawaun Blakely has been a driving force behind the Brothers in Unity program at Equitas Health, working to create a haven for gay men of color and promoting HIV prevention. Inspired by his journey living with HIV, in 2022, Sawaun conceived of the Shades of Red fashion event that has quickly become a community staple. Shades of Red has become a platform that challenges stereotypes, fosters unity, and actively contributes to the fight against HIV/AIDS. Motivated by his late mother's dedication to community service and his own firsthand experience with homelessness and food insecurity, he has dedicated his life to improving his community.
Keon Busby
Keon Busby is a creative strategist and founder of The Creative Genius Co., where he helps unconventional entrepreneurs turn raw content into real cashflow. With a deep love for the urban creative, he believes true genius is born in overlooked places — not in spite of the struggle, but because of it. Keon builds platforms for those who are bold, authentic, and unapologetically themselves, helping them thrive without watering down who they are. His work isn’t just about marketing — it’s about legacy, visibility, and empowering stories that were never meant to be silenced.
Adrian McGee
Adrian McGee is a business strategist, speaker, and systems expert based in Columbus, Ohio. He holds a master’s degree in business and is a proud alumnus of Bowling Green State University. Adrian has helped entrepreneurs across the country scale their businesses sustainably by designing streamlined systems for growth. He regularly speaks at schools and community events throughout the city and hosts entrepreneurial workshops that empower others to build thriving, balanced businesses.